Good morning! We hope you enjoyed your Sunday. Today, we’re talking about projects with eye‑watering price tags, moments that warm the heart, and a few stories that give us something to think about. Grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let’s get you up to speed.

🎯 Top Story

The Royal Vic: A Dream of Student Housing With an $845‑Million Price Tag

We already knew that turning the old Royal Victoria Hospital into student residences wouldn’t be simple, but the newly released numbers are staggering. According to a feasibility study by CDPQ Infra — the Caisse’s infrastructure arm behind projects like the REM — converting the six heritage buildings into 1,150 student units would cost $845 million.

Why so expensive? Three of the buildings show “advanced levels of deterioration” requiring major interventions. The math is brutal: $735,000 per student bed, with nearly 80% of the cost tied to structural repairs and reconstruction. The 18‑month study, carried out by a multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, and urban planners, concludes the project is “technically feasible,” but highlights the significant heritage interventions needed to make the site viable.

In short: the project isn’t dead, but Montréal will need deeper pockets — or a completely different approach — to turn the Royal Vic into an inter‑university campus.

⚡ What Montréal Is Talking About

Félix Auger‑Aliassime Defends His Title in Montpellier

The Montréal tennis star successfully defended his Open Occitanie title with a 6‑3, 7‑6 (4) win over France’s Adrian Mannarino. With this victory, Félix becomes the most decorated Canadian player of the Open Era.

Seahawks Win Super Bowl LX

Seattle’s “Dark Side” defense dominated the New England Patriots 29–13. Kenneth Walker III was named MVP — the first running back to earn the honor in 28 years.

Bad Bunny Sets the Halftime Show on Fire

The Puerto Rican superstar delivered 13 minutes of pure spectacle with appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. In a surreal twist, a couple actually got married during the performance.

Vietnamese Community Celebrates 50 Years in Montréal

A vibrant Tết festival at the Grand Quai marked the Year of the Horse and the 50th anniversary of the community’s arrival in the city.

Steve’s Music Closing Most Stores

After six decades, the iconic music retailer will close most of its locations in Ontario and Québec, keeping only one store open.

Jimmy Lai Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

The pro‑democracy media tycoon from Hong Kong has been sentenced under China’s national security law. At 78, the sentence could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life.

Canada Finishes Fifth in Team Figure Skating

The U.S. defended its title, edging Japan by a single point. Italy took bronze; Canada finished fifth with 54 points.

Canada Eliminated From Mixed Doubles Curling

Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant were knocked out after a fifth straight loss — the second Olympics in a row without a podium finish in the event.

Connor McDavid Skates With Celebrini and Wilson

At Team Canada’s first practice in Milan, McDavid was paired with Macklin Celebrini and Tom Wilson — a mix of speed, physicality, and creativity. Canada’s first men’s hockey game is February 12.

Madeline Schizas Gets an Extension… Thanks to the Olympics

The Canadian figure skater and McMaster student went viral after asking her professor for an extension via Instagram — and got it. She plans to graduate in May.

Arnaud Gaudet Misses the Olympic Semifinal by Three Hundredths

The Quebec snowboarder fell just short of qualifying in the parallel giant slalom.

🏡 Around the City

Boil‑Water Advisory in Ville‑Marie

A boil‑water advisory is in effect for Ville‑Marie, including Île Sainte‑Hélène, Île Notre‑Dame, and Habitat 67. Boil your water before drinking it.

Stabbing at Place‑des‑Arts Metro

A 30‑year‑old man was stabbed inside the station Saturday night. He was taken to hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries. Police are searching for a suspect.

Arson Investigation in Rosemont—La Petite‑Patrie

A fire early Sunday morning in a neighborhood bar appears to have been deliberately set. An investigation is underway.

Daycare Worker Found Guilty of Murder

Tomy Carranza Ladry, 36, was found guilty of second‑degree murder in the death of an 18‑month‑old child in 2023.

Brazilian Community Celebrates Black History Month

La Maison de l’amitié is hosting a series of events highlighting Afro‑Brazilian culture.

Grille‑Nature: A New Culinary Landmark

Dave McMillan (ex‑Joe Beef) and Derek Dammann (ex‑Maison Publique) have teamed up to open a new community‑driven, high‑end food spot at the Marché de l’Ouest.

Two Editorials Shake City Hall

One urges new mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada to be a “transformative” leader. Another argues Montréal must stop accepting homelessness as inevitable and take direct responsibility for building housing.

💙 Heart of the Day

A shout‑out to Madeline Schizas — balancing Olympic competition with university deadlines, going viral for asking her professor for an extension, and getting it. A small win that reminds us athletes are students and humans too.

📍 Practical Corner

Boil‑Water Advisory Reminder

If you live in Ville‑Marie, boil your water before drinking it until further notice.

Metro Safety

Stay alert in the metro, especially late at night. The weekend incident at Place‑des‑Arts is a reminder to stay aware of your surroundings.

☕ Have a Good Day Montréal

That’s your Monday update. Take care of yourself — and if you cross paths with someone who looks like they need a smile, you know what to do. See you tomorrow for more stories from around the city.